The FINAL Word

When I think of South Africa I’m reminded of the poem of the Ancient mariner the famous lines “Water Water everywhere and not a drop to drink” It speaks of hopelessness.

In South Africa the poem will read Crime, crime everywhere and no solution in sight. Maybe the more accurate saying should be instead of Rome burned as Nero fiddled its South Africa burns as the politicians fiddle and line their pockets.

This month we have had the Russian arms saga, did we supply or did Russia supply us-why they would supply us with arms when we have no need of that and when they are busy fighting in a costly war of their own is beyond me. Also coming to light the millions the government has spent on housing for members of parliament, more botched tender news etc

When will it all end?

Rampant crime, rolling blackouts, mass unemployment, and there is not enough money to address the issues. Murders remain unsolved police vehicles are in drastic need of repair and people have no respect for the rule of law. It doesn’t matter if its driving like there is not tomorrow or shoplifiting in Checkers, beggars on every street corner and it seems that everything is getting worse day by day.

This is South Africa today

We need a solution and fast.

A political solution is need but a fundamental change in the way we think and act is also needed.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a church meeting to address the aftermath of the floods in KZN. An established church has taken it upon themselves to build a 4 bed house for a family of 8 that has lost everything. What has been really encouraging to see is how many organisations have offered services and supplies at no cost, to assist this family. The church purchased the land from the tribal chief and started to build this house. It has snowballed from there. So even in the dark days of loadshedding with many businesses closing their doors people are willing to help.

So there is hope after all. Maybe you can help with things like this in your community

MARTYN SMITHERS